Category: SYDNEY

Have fun while doing good this Mardi Gras: top wines, beers, seltzers raising money for Pride Foundation Australia

Posted: 23/02/2022

Raising money for the Pride Foundation Australia, you can now officially drink for a cause. Landing on the shelves of BWS and Dan Murphy’s stores next week with all profits going to Pride Foundation Australia – just in time for Pride season. Where will the money go, you ask? The Foundation will use the funds to support LGBTQIA+ specific programs to provide help for those dealing with substance abuse. The Loud & Proud range offers six different drinks to choose from – a rosé, pinot grigio, grenache, brut cuvée, pale ale beer and watermelon flavoured seltzer and is available in selected Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores. Dan Murphy’s is also a major sponsor of Midsumma Melbourne and Albany Pride, while BWS has rolled out its popular BWYASSS signage to another 7 stores (10 stores across the country in total now have it) to show support and celebrate the diversity of the LGTBQ+ community. For a full spread of the drinks available, head to the BWS or Dan Murphy’s websites

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: beers, bws, Dan Murphy's, Have fun while doing good this Mardi Gras top wines, seltzers raising money for Pride Foundation Australia

The gayest roast you’ll eat this Mardi Gras

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Believe it, or not; this isn’t a euphemism. This annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras we’ll celebrate it all with The Roast, subverting the traditional Sunday family meal, with an afternoon celebration of queer food, drink, comedy and theatre from The University of Sydney’s The Refectory with your chosen crew. Happening at the Refectory in Camperdown, the Roast include a four-course banquet curated by award-winning chef, Anna Polyviou, post-Mardi Gras cocktails from Absolut, and the talents of Sydney-based Mangarai First Nations queen Tyra Bankstown and QTBIPOC collective House of Silky. Meanwhile, music will be handled by Paul Mac and Johnny Seymour of Stereogamous,Timothy & The Heart Strings and hosted by Sharon Manhatten. Limited tickets for the event on 76 March are available now via Humanitix. All ticket sales go to supporting ACON, Australia’s largest HIV and sexuality and gender diverse health organisation.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: mardi gras, sydney mardi gras, The gayest roast you'll eat this Mardi Gras, the Roast

Sydney’s Night Noodle Markets are back!

Melbourne Night Noodle Markets Chinese dragon

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

In a brand new location and after having had a two year break, there’s great news for Sydney: the annual Night Noodle Markets are back with a vengeance. Depriving a city of noodley and Asian-inspired foodstuffs is – like so many other things – one of the side effects of the past year, but no more! From 22 – 27 March 2022 at Prince Alfred Park, right near Central Station, the Night Noodle Markets will being a spread of some of the city’s and country’s finest Asian food providores in an explosion of dragon-fuelled excitement and buzz made all the sweeter by the simple fact: it’s back. Each evening, the popular park will be transformed into a vibrant, open-air Asian street food festival, with live entertainment and hawker-style stalls and pop-ups serving up their most sumptuous dishes, drinks and bites. From steaming hot dumplings to melt-in-your-mouth bao and Insta-worthy desserts, Sydneysiders and visitors will have the chance to feast on an array of sizzling, sweet and spicy meals and morsels from an exciting mix of popular local, national and interstate eateries. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options will also be plentiful. For more info and to get your tickets, head to the Sydney Night Noodle Markets website

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Sydney Night Noodle Markets, sydney noodle market, Sydney's Night Noodle Markets are back

Fair Day kicks off the Mardi Gras Festival 2022 and it was glorious!

by Emi Berry

Updated: 21/02/2022

The biggest and most colourful event of the opening weekend of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2022, Fair Day, returned to Victoria Park today with a full day of entertainment and picnicking in the sun. Thousands of smiling faces gathered in the park to celebrate not only the beginning of Mardi Gras, but also the power and beauty of diversity. Check out the full Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2022 program here.

Category: CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: mardi gras, Mardi Gras 2022, Mardi Gras Fair Day

Celebrate International Women’s Day in Sydney with this one-off event to #breakthebias

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Those looking for an inspirational celebration of female empowerment this International Women’s Day should look no further than Legacy in the Park International Women’s Day. Hosted at the historic and picturesque ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park Sydney on the 8th of March, you’ll mingle with some of Australia’s most inspiring women over complimentary beer, wine and champagne and canapes to celebrate the achievements of the incredible women within the Australian Defence Force and look to #breakthebias. Sydney Legacy’s special event will also feature Defence Ambassador for the Australian Capital Territory, Brigadier Alison Creagh AM CSC (Ret’d), as the keynote speaker. Alison retired from the Australian Army in March 2015, following 30 years of dedicated service, and now focuses on supporting veterans, defence industry and promoting cybersecurity through a number of board positions. Alison will be sharing her incredible personal and professional stories as well as hosting a Q&A session. Much of her work is similar to the wonderful work Sydney Legacy does to support families of Australian service women and men. Sydney Legacy was formed in 1926 and has for more than 90 years, ‘kept the promise’ to care for our veteran’s families. Offering support in the form of income support, school-aged education support, as well as a community for the families of our veterans. Proceeds from the Legacy in the Park International Women’s Day event will go towards funding this continued support. When: 8th March 2022, 4pm-6pm Dress code: Business casual Tickets are $45 (+booking fees) and are available via the Legacy website

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Celebrate International Women's Day in Sydney with this one-off event to #breakthebias, International Women's Day Sydney, IWD

Powerhouse Museum Sydney brings back Powerhouse Late

by James Banham

Posted: 08/02/2022

Get your inner art geek ready: Powerhouse Late is back! Running every Thursday night until 30 June, Powerhouse Late is a free program of live music, film screenings, workshops, talks and exhibition tours, with featured artists including Biliirr, Rainbow Chan, Corin, Lachy Doley, JOY, Del Lumanta, POOKIE, Slaysians, Queer Screen, Ziggy Ramo and Yeo. Throughout the series, Jordan Gogos, founder of fashion label Iordanes Spyridon Gogos, will present a large-scale installation at the museum entrance while Powerhouse Creative Industry Resident FBi Radio will curate music for an exclusive Powerhouse Late Bar outside on the forecourt. Located close by to the heart of Sydney in Ultimo, Powerhouse is renowned museum of art and science, innovation and design, bringing some of the best of what the human mind can do to the public. Discover more at the Powerhouse Museum website.

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Powerhouse Late museum Sydney, powerhouse museum, Powerhouse Museum Sydney brings back Powerhouse Late, Powerhouse Sydney

What to buy and where to eat this Valentine’s Day 2022

Pumphouse Sydney restaurant dining room balcony

by THE F

Updated: 16/11/2022

The day of love is fast approaching, so you need to sort out what you’re eating and where basically yesterday. Don’t even get us started on the gifts! We rounded-up some favourites from around Sydney, Melbourne and some favourite retailers to make your choosing easier, so scroll on for some ideas on where to eat and what to buy this Valentine’s Day 2022. Google Pixel 6 mobile phone If you’re an android person, then this is the ultimate phone that’ll make your life worth living. The first phone with a Google chip, all Google parts and some – as always – external colour action to keep your day exciting, the phone’s one of Google’s most personal and helpful phones. With the most advanced cameras seen on a Pixel, you can capture every special memory with your other half in high quality and vivid colours, and they’ll only ever be a phone call away. Get it from $999 form Google Google Pixel buds The perfect gift for anyone with a busy or on-the-go lifestyle, Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series offer rich sound quality, clear calls and hands-free helpfulness all in a low-profile aesthetic. Designed for a snug and secure fit, they are comfortable enough for those long listening sessions or while your partner works out. Get them for $159 Pumphouse Sydney They’ve curated a delicious set menu for guests to enjoy on February 14th for $180 per couple. You will be welcomed with a special Valentine’s Day cocktail on arrival before being guided upstairs to the stunning, open terrace overlooking Darling… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, GIFT GUIDE, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE, SYDNEY

Tags: valentine's day, valentine's day guide, What to buy and where to eat this Valentine's Day 2022, what to buy valentines day

Superstars in Sydney for Opera Australia’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’

by James Banham

Posted: 23/01/2022

It was in 2019 when Melbourne-born superstar soprano Stacey Alleaume took to the stage in Opera Australia’s The Marriage of Figaro as Susanna alongside Paolo Bordogna, tenor. It’s now in 2022 that the illustrious Australian opera company is bringing back the legendary tale – with Stacey in the role she performed all-too-well – that brought us its renowned overture from 27 January to 18 February 2022 at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House. With three vocal talents that comprise some of the world’s finest singers, the production this summer won’t be one to miss. A regular on the stage of Milan’s Teatro alla Scala and opera houses around Europe, impressive Italian baritone Mario Cassi will debut as the Count, a role he has perfected in Liege and Dresden. Stellar Russian soprano Ekaterina Morozova will debut as the Countess, a role she performed at the Bolshoi in late 2021, and rising star Venetian bass-baritone Tommaso Barea debuts, as Figaro himself, opposite celebrated Australian soprano Stacey Alleaume as clever servant Susanna. Based on a play that was initially banned for its anti-aristocratic undertones, this sharp cat-and-mouse comedy that heroes the underclass will delight and entertain audiences as it has done since its 1786 debut in Vienna. The Marriage of Figaro is a lovable tale that has brought us such recognisable tunes as the one above and the beautiful, floaty Sull’Aria, sung by two characters Countess Almaviva who dictates to Susanna (Stacey Alleaume) the invitation to a tryst addressed to the countess’ husband in a plot to expose his… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, OPERA, SYDNEY

Tags: figaro, Marriage of Figaro Opera, opera australia sydney, Superstars in Sydney for Opera Australias The Marriage of Figaro, sydney opera, THE F Marriage of Figaro, The Marriage of Figaro

Best Drag bottomless brunch Sydney

by James Banham

Updated: 19/11/2022

If there’s one thing we Sydney-siders do well, it’s brunch. Whether venues are slinging mimosas or sangria, cheese boards or tacos, if it’s bottomless, then sign us up! On the lookout for the booziest way to cure your boredom this weekend? This guide to Sydney’s best bottomless brunches will leave your social calendar fully booked, and your mouth watering. Henrietta Charcoal Chicken View this post on Instagram A post shared by Henrietta Charcoal Chicken (@henrietta.chicken) Surry Hills eatery, Henrietta, introduces ‘Henrietta’s Hot Girl Summer’. A boozy brunch with all your favourite Middle Eastern flavours. Feast on charcoal chicken, chips, sides and salads, tastefully accompanied by bottomless beer, wine and cocktails. Not hot enough? Try a Fiery Kiss, Henrietta’s own apple juice x Fireball slushie. The best part is, if you have other brunch commitments, Henrietta is going bottomless all-day and all-night. The only venue in Sydney where you can ride the brunch wave to dinner and beyond. When: Weekends, 12pm (15th January – 27th February) Price: Banquets start from $49pp Untied Barangaroo Calling all vegetarians, vegans, and plant-based eaters, Untied presents their Vegan Bottomless Brunch. This three-course menu features the likes of pumpkin dip and scrambled tofu, with everything 100% vegan and 100% delicious. Drinks-wise, expect fruity cocktails and Untied’s signature Frozé, as well as various wines and beers to choose from. When: Sundays, 11am or 2pm seatings Price: $69 pp Prince of York CBD When you combine drag, disco and boozy brunch, how could anyone refuse? The Disco Baby Bottomless Brunch at Prince of… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Best bottomless brunches in Sydney, Best brunch Sydney, Bottomless brunches Sydney, Brunch places Sydney, Sydney bottomless brunches, sydney brunch, Sydney brunch guide, Where to go bottomless brunch Sydney

Share your Sydney Harbour Bridge story and celebrate its 90th birthday

Sydney Harbour Bridge complete whole ferry

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

The world renowned Sydney Harbour Bridge is turning 90 on 19 March 2022 and it’s time to celebrate. BridgeClimb Sydney – the company that operates and cares for the monument – is throwing open the doors to celebrate and wants to hear your untold stories of the bridge through it’s iconic life since 1932. Whether you or someone you know worked on the construction or maintenance of the Bridge, own a unique piece of Bridge memorabilia, or hold a special memory involving the Bridge, all submissions are welcome and can be submitted at their dedicated website. Nicknamed ‘the Coathanger’ because of its arched design, the 1,149m-long, 48.8m-wide structure is the world’s tallest steel arch bridge – measuring 134m from the top to the water below. It’s also the sixth longest spanning-arch bridge in the world. Get involved and help celebrate the milestone of one of our country’s most famous, beloved and practical icons! For more, head to the BridgeClimb website

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Harbour bridge, Share your Sydney Harbour Bridge story and celebrate its 90th birthday, sydney harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge

ARTS & CULTURE

breakdance head spin pexels pixabay 159273

Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.